iFi GO pod Review

We twisted audiophiles tend to have difficulties parting with our overpriced, high-end IEMs. True wireless buds just can’t match the clarity of our IEM’s low-end or reach the extension of its highs, yadi yada. It’s just not the same. But those pesky wires, along with the fast-paced demands of life, have forced us to explore Bluetooth. The iFi GO Pod wireless adapter may be closest answer to your dilemma. Can the GO Pod skillfully reproduce the resolution of your wired setup? And will it change the sound signature of your favorite IEMs?

What’s in the Box?

• ifi GO Pod wireless adapters
• Charging case
• USB to USB-C charging cable
• MMCX connectors
• .78mm 2 Pin connectors
• User guide

Look and Feel

You’ll immediately notice that the GO Pod’s charging case is significantly larger than that of most true wireless earbuds. But hey, no one said that being an audiophile was easy. If you have to buy a fanny pack to carry your most prized IEMs, it’s worth it. And all that being said, the charging case is admittedly a thing of beauty. I was not only attracted to the hard angles of the case, but was also thrilled to discover “showroom lights” turn on inside the case once I opened it.

The faceplates on the sides of the GO Pod act as touch sensor for a host of controls, including play/pause, track skipping, calls, and access to voice assistant. The touch panels were very sensitive, so, I didn’t have to violently swipe and tap like I sometimes end up doing on other finicky models. And overall, the learning process was quick.

I found the fit sufficiently comfortable. That is, the adapters didn’t alter the fit of my IEMs, and the over-ear hooks never felt obtrusive or painful. Also, at no point during physical activity was I worried about the earbuds falling out of my ear. No complaints in this department. 

Design

The Go Pod is powered QCC5144 chipset, which is compatible with Snapdragon. In theory, combining Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with Snapdragon, the Go Pod is able to stretch the boundaries of the connection, while also minimizing latency and other disturbances. But alas, Apple users will be missing out on this advantage, as Apple is not compatible with Snapdragon.

While we’re on the subject of incompatibility with Apple, what primarily sets this adapter apart from other competing models is its implementation of the LDAC codec, allowing for a sample rate of of 96 kHz and a bit depth of 24 bits. Again, iPhone users will not be able to take advantage of this codec. But you will still get all the other hi-res options, including aptX HD, aptX Adaptive and AAC.

Delving deeper into the device, you'll find a host of features, including four distinct digital filters, automatic impedance matching, and a balanced amplifier. Yet, the allure of ifi's GO Pod maybe lies in its versatility, as it accommodates both MMCX and .78mm 2 Pin IEM connections. However, to be completely transparent, I first tried to pair the GO Pod with the Campfire Andromeda (MMCX), and I decided to stop midway because the connections were so stiff I was worried I’d break my IEMs. Instead of taking this risk, I paired the GO Pod with a 2-pin IEM, and though the insertion again felt forced and wrong, it ultimately connected without issue. But I will say, if you’re planning on connecting and disconnecting your IEMs to the adapter several times a day, this process can get old quickly. So, given the fiddling around, I would recommend the GO Pod mainly for those who plan to go wireless for extended periods.

Sound Impressions

IEM Pairings

I paired the GO Pod with 64 Audio’s incredibly transparent U4s. In addition, 64 Audio tends to lean on the more neutral side, and the soundstage is so undeniably spacious and accurate, that it’s an easy one to test with the GO Pod in terms of performance.

Sound Signature

Overall, what you’ll notice is added brightness. The high mids and treble area become more emphasized. As a result, you’ll hear less body and lushness than you usually would from your IEM. Instead, the GO Pod adds a crispness and liveliness to the sound signature. Still, an easy smoothness in the treble peaks remains. So, despite it’s dynamic character, the GO Pod is not a fatiguing listen. But if you have a particularly warm IEM that you feel like you want to invigorate, the GO Pod is an ideal pairing. 

I was surprised to find that the U4s’s soundstage was minimally affected by the Bluetooth connection. A wireless setup often degrades the spaciousness and precision of the imaging, but this was not the case here. Although instrument placement may have been a touch less accurate than it would via a wired connection (though that could be psychological), the soundscape remains expansive and the sense of depth, height and width is still presented with tons of dimension and impressive scale.

In terms of resolution, I noticed little difference between my iPhone AAC connection and my wired setup. And to be honest, you’ll have to listen for quite a while to make out any notable deficits in clarity.

Summary

$400 may be asking a lot for a Bluetooth adapter. But once you begin hearing the resolution and spaciousness that it retains from your IEM, the GO Pod starts to feel like a worthy purchase. Still, as mentioned, this adapter does slightly alter the sound signature of your IEM (which could be a good thing). So, don’t expect to get the pure unadulterated listening experience. But if you’re an uncompromising audiophile who has been forced to compromise and go Bluetooth because of societal pressures, this adapter may prove to be a surprisingly impressive alternative. 

You can buy the iFi Go Pod at Audio 46.